Wind power study to test potential for green energy
28.10.2009
A detailed study of wind speeds and directions in Seychelles is to be carried out to see whether electricity generation by wind turbines is feasible.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted future energy initiative, and the Seychelles government have announced they will carry out a resource assessment on Mahe using four wind measurement masts.
The study comes as part of a collaborative agreement signed by the two parties in January this year to develop renewable energy in Seychelles.
The signing came during President James Michel’s visit to Abu Dhabi to address the World Energy Summit, where he welcomed the agreement and said Seychelles is ready to be part of the renewable energy future.
Studies by the two parties since the beginning of the year continue to suggest that wind power is potentially viable on Mahe. Now the decision has been made to move to the next stage of the development process and carry out a detailed wind resource assessment study, which is expected to take 12-15 months.
Four masts will be installed to measure, among other things, wind speed and direction. They will be in operation for a minimum of one year.
The next phase of the project, which will be an investigation into the environmental, technical and commercial feasibility of installing wind energy generators on Mahe, will be launched if the study shows wind conditions are suitable for electricity generation.
A selection process identified the Inner Harbour (parcel H8331), La Misère (parcel B1721) Tea Factory (parcel B2509) and Four Seasons (parcel T289) as sites for the masts. This balanced environmental concerns against technical aspects such as electrical grid access and wind potential.
Current expectations are that the masts will be installed by the end of this year. Some site preparation is needed before they are put up, and a tender for this work will be issued shortly.
Electricity generated from wind would be an important first step towards diversifying Seychelles’ electricity supply system away from fossil fuels and in the process help to lessen risks associated with energy supply and climate change.
Wind energy would also enhance the environmental credentials of Seychelles, bringing with it branding benefits for the tourism industry.
More information about Masdar – which is wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company – and wind power, can be found on the websites www.masdar.ae and www.wwindea.org/home/index.php